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Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit?

With all the gloom surrounding spending cuts and some areas of the arts facing an uncertain future, it’s always heartening to witness a local, independent artist achieving success. Which is why Area is very pleased to report that Wolverhampton-based director Mark Jeavons is premiering his latest movie, Whatever Happened to Pete Blaggit?, at the Lighthouse on November 16th.The film is a surreal tale about a disillusioned, angry wedding videographer who, sick of watching other people celebrating the happiest day of their lives, alienates his friends and becomes depressed. But, before you think we’re entering Ken Loach territory, there’s a twist in the tale: just when Pete thinks that things can’t get any worse, he’s abducted by aliens.

Jeavons, whose previous work, The Boy with the Thorn in his Side, was shown at the Cannes Film Festival, has been working on this new project since 2006. Along the way, he’s managed to enlist the services of TV actors (in the shape of ex-Coronation Street star Adam Rickitt) and VFX crew members from films such as Sunshine and Slumdog Millionaire.

Alongside these more well-known names, the film stars local actor Rob Leetham, and has also been helped along by the director’s industry mates and other acquaintances.

Speaking about his four-year labour of love, Jeavon said: “It’s been a long, hard road to get Blaggit finished but I’m very proud of the film. It’s a huge achievement, not just for me, but for the many people who have contributed to the project over the years. I can’t wait for the regional premiere on the 16th, and urge all local film fans to come along, show their support for a local indie filmmaker and check out the film for themselves!”